Hi, I'm Snazzy and I'm Trucker

Big Duker tears to a glass eye is a good one, X2B rough ride sums it up, and Renorcr them IRS Agents like thier jobs too much. Let see what happens, as Life Goes On. Snazzy points to all !

BB dropped me off at a seedy motel that was just outside of Idiot City. BB wasn't worried at all, because he had been offered another driving job with a big trucking company. Yep, he had a good job to go to, but I had some hard decisions to make. I carried my overnight bag into the shabby room and turned on the electric furnace. The smell of burning dust filled my nose, as I turned on the wall mounted t.v., and watched alot of snowy white lines. Nope it wasn't the weather channel, it was just poor reception. I feel across the mattress and didn't allow my mind voices a chance to kick in.

I woke up a little before dark and decided a nice hot shower would work for me. Of course I had to make that an icy cold one and I also discoverd that the toilet wouldn't flush. What a deal ! Just down the street was a bar named the Hide Away. Since it wasn't in Idiot City, I'd drank there a few times back in my cop days. It was real small place and only had a pull in drive that sat right next to the state highway. There were only a couple of cars out front as I sashayed in. Elmer was behind the bar and gave his usual greeting.

Elmer twisted the cap, " How's my favorite flat foot doing ? "

I took a swig, " Elmer ! I quit the department over a year ago ! What's been going on ? "

Elmer took a bar stool next to me, " Oh ! Same old thang. I heard that you left that sorry police department. Why you'd work there is beyond me. That had to be a piss poor job. What are you up to now ? "

I lit up a 100 and blew smoke, " Well ! I bought an old Mack from Blackie and worked for him awhile. Then I leased on with Tarmac and went long hauling."

Elmer choked on his beer, " Tarmac ! Isn't that the one on the news ? I just saw it on a little while ago. Something about a big scam and ripping off alot of investors ? "

I took a long swig, " Yep ! That's the one ! They got my truck seized in thier yard and owe me about tweleve grand ! "

Elmer had to ask, " What are you going to do ? "

I shook my head, " I don't know ! I guess, I can get my truck back, and try another outfit. You know, I just went through a divorce. Well, kind of. My Wifey still has a claim on my trucks title. No ! She actually has a court order that says she has a claim. Anyway, it's a mess ! Can I get another one ? "

Elmer brought two, " Tell you what Barney. You know I own a vending company and I have trailer over in Dallas that I need moved. I'd be willing to pay you under the table, if your interested. How soon can you get your truck out of pawn ? "

I crushed my smoldering butt in the ashtray, " I'll need to stop by the county court house tomorrow and buy a tag. That fricking Tarmac had furnished me one that the IRS seized. Man ! I should just try to lease on with another outfit. I'm not sure how much it cost to register a class A tractor. I bet it's not cheap ! "

Elmer shrugged, " Beats me ! But, get her legal and give me a shout. I need to get that trailer empity and returned. It's one of those leased trailers and it goes back here to Fort Worth. It's at a trucking yard, but I've got the key, so you can pick it up anytime. I'll need you to drop it at a storage rental and I'll pay you some extra to help unload. It souldn't take that long, because it's mostly pool tables, and cigarette machines. Now it is heavy ! But, it's legal and there shouldn't be a problem. "

It hit me, " Geez ! I don't have away to get to the court house. Man ! "

Elmer saved the day, " Here ! Take that old Chevy out there and use it all you need. I just bought me a new Cadillac and I'm not using it. "

I thanked Elmer and drank a few more. Yep, that was awful nice of him. He wouldn't even let me pay for my beers. I always liked Elmer and his wife. They were good people and both of them went out of thier way to be nice. Yep, the world could use some more like them !

Let's break Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

I woke up at the crack of noon and got in gear. Yep, I stopped by the motel office and paid for another night. I also reported the non-flushing toilet. Mr Patron was more than happy to demonstrate the proper way to flush. All that I had to do was fill the plastic trash can with water from the tub and then pour it into the comode. What a deal ! I sashayed over and cranked up the loaner. Yep, it wasn't too bad a ride. She probably had 200 k, or better, but she ran good. The county sub court house wasn't a ten minute drive, but it took me over an hour to purchase an apportioned Texas tag. It's just a fancy name for a legal license plate that allows an owner to register and drive his truck. Of course most companies would furnish your tag if you leased on with them. My problem was that I couldn't get the IRS to allow me to drive Amelia to another trucking outfit. So, a few hundred dollars lighter and with a song on my lips, I drove over to Tarmac. Things had settled down and I signed some paperwork. Yep, I was back in Amelia and ready to roll. Elmer had given me written directions to the truck yard and even a key to get in. So, I drove to South Dallas, which was about an hours drive, and bobtailed in the lot. The trailer was sitting to itself behind the construction company's yard. I got a hand wave by some hardhat that was standing in front of the office. I hooked up and did my pretrip. Yep, I had to air up a couple of trailer tires and adjust a brake. So, I used the payphone and called Elmer. He agreed to meet me at the storage rental at 7pm and he'd have some bodies to help me unload.

The 5pm Dallas traffic, made my 1 hour drive, a two hour ordeal. What a deal ! So, I still managed to beat Elmer and pulled the knob. Pssht ! Love that sound ! Elmer swung in and fingered the after hour pad. The gate slowly opened, so I swung in. It was a tight fit and the storage garage was of course at the very back. I had the whole alley blocked. But hey ! It was just me and Elmer, and the winos that Elmer had bribed to help. The trailer was old 48' footer, that had an aluminum ramp. Elmer unlocked the trailer and I had a wino help me attach the ramp. So far, so good ! I was shocked at what my eyes spotted. Yep, slot machines ! One armed bandits ! Video Poker ! Keno ! Geez !

I spoke the obvious, " Hey Elmer ! I thought you said it was cigarette machines and pool tables ? "

Elmer grinned, " They're in there ! Those Idiots were suppose to load them to the rear. Lucky that no cops stopped em ! "

I was speechless, (we know better), " So, Elmer ? Is this stuff legal ? I can't afford to get in any trouble. You know I already have a court date for that DWI and I sure don't..."

Elmer had all the answers, " It's legal now ! There's no law about having those, as long as they're not being played ! Trust me ! "

I didn't, " Look, I can just unhook and come back. Ya'll can get this stuff off and I'll come back to return the trailer. "

Elmer looked hurt, " Come on, Barney ! It won't take long and I'm going to pay you. Here ! Take this ! "

I almost fell over, " $1,000 DOLLARS ! Geez, now I know that I'm breaking the law !"

Elmer laughed, " No one is going to jail ! Let's just get these unloaded, so we can drink a beer. How does that sound ? "

I put on my gloves. " Okay ! But, if the cops show up, I'm just a dumb driver that doesn't know nothen ! "

Of course Elmer couldn't help unload, because he was 66 years old, was way over-weight, and couldn't even walk up the ramp. So, I took charge and manned the dolly. Yep, me and winos worked our tails off, as Elmer sat his Cadillac, and watched us. What a deal ! It took awhile and I sweated like a preacher in ##### house. Yep, it was a cool 45 degress and I was soaking wet from all the huffing and puffing. Finally we got her empity and Elmer put a lock on the storage door. I climbed in Amelia and followed Elmer to his bar. Of course I couldn't park there, so I parked at a used car lot across the way. I was ready for a shower and bite to eat. Elmer had some good barbecue, so I gave in. Yep, cold beer, a chopped BBQ sandwich, and $1,000, for half a days work. Life Was Good ?

Let's break Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

I left Amelia parked at the used car lot and walked to the motel. Early the next morning I bobtailed over to Idiot City to get a copy of my driving record. I had planned to lease on with the large trucking company that BB had gone to work for. BB had given me thier owner operator packet that explained what all was required. I met all the requirments and was sure that Amelia would meet thier standards. Since I was an excop and knew the dispatcher, she fingered in my driver's license number. Holly Crap ! Yep, my DL showed suspended for refusing that breath test. What a deal ! I was more embarrassed than anything else. Yep, I'd kept that DWI a secret and now with her knowing. Well, so much for that. Anyway, I drove Amelia straight downtown to my lawyer's office. Of course his secretary had to call him, so we spoke over the phone.

I was ticked off, " Hey ! This is Barney Goose ! I just got a copy of my DL and it shows suspended ! What the hell is going on ? "

The Shark went on the defense, " It must be a mistake is all I can tell you. Unless you violated your probation. "

I had to ask, " What probation ? I'm not on probation ! "

The Shark disagreed, " Remember ! I told you that I got that breath test refusal probated. Have you gotten any tickets lately ? "

It hit me, " You mean because I paid a speeding ticket that my license is suspended ? "

The Shark began to preach, " If you got a moving violation they are ! I told you that ! There's nothing I can do about it ! Well, I can file for a hardship license, for you. But, that won't help you much, as far as your driving over the road. Thier not good for that. "

I was in shock, " Man ! What am I going to do ? I can't drive over the road, my Wifey is getting $ 1,000 per month child support, I have a $1,000 truck payment due, I still owe you $ 3,000, and I'm screwed ! "

The Shark was worried, " Well don't forget your court date is coming up ! If I don't get paid, you'll need to hire yourself another lawyer, or take that plea deal. You know 2 years probation and a fine is better than going to jail ! "

I didn't like his tone, " Listen to me ! I'm not pleading guilty to crap ! That was a setup and you know it ! Hell, it's strange that when when we first talked you were all gungho about fighting it. Now that you have your money, you want me to take a deal ! "

The Shark bit back, " Do you really want a jury to hear this case ? You've got a sworn Officer that will testify that you were driving drunk ! You've got the father of a girl, whose been an Officer for over 20 years, and the jury will hear from him ! You refused that breath test and with you being an excop ! Hell, you'll be lucky to get the maximum ! "

I had heard enough, " Okay ! Just refund my $2,500 and I'll get a different lawyer ! I can see whose side your on ! "

The Shark didn't bite, " You signed a contract and I'm the attorney on record, you can't fire me without the court's approval ! You know ole Judge Jarhead isn't too happy with you ! He wanted to raise your bail and put conditions on you ! Yep ! I saved your job ! If he'd had his way you wouldn't be longhauling now ! "

I had to update the Shark, " Listen ! I can't even drive anymore ! Thanks to you and that stupid probation on my license. Hell ! You should of made me aware of it ! I thought that I was home free, unless I got another DWI. I didn't know that a speeding ticket would get me a 90 day suspension ! "

The Shark had to go, " Well now you know ! So, I'll see in court and you can pay me, take that deal, or have the judge appoint you a different lawyer. It's up to you and it doesn't matter to me ! "

I hung up and stormed out of the office. Geez ! That guy is a real turncoat, backstabbing, money grubbing, slick, two faced, wheeler dealer, lying piece of garbage, but maybe he's right. Yep, I'm a real winner ! Man ! I need to think about this ! Let's go to the Hide Away and get us a plan worked out. Maybe Elmer knows a good lawyer ? Well just don't get stopped by the cops, that's all we need. Yep, be sneaky and extra carefull. How can you sneak around in Amelia ? She's as big as a house and sticks out like a sore thumb.
You know what I mean ! Well what about Elmer's car ? We need to get that back to him and I still have those keys he gave me. Okay ! We can do this. Let's sneak Amelia over to the motel and walk over to the Hide Away. I'll tell Elmer the truth about my license being suspended. Man ! We were lucky that we weren't stopped pulling Elmer's Casino. Just imagine going to the big house. What are you in for bud ? Oh I was just hauling a Casino around with a suspended license and got stopped. You know it happens all the time. Geez! You mind voices need to shut up !

Let's break Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

I was sitting in the Hide Away bar waiting for Elmer to come in. The regular bartender hadn't shown up, so Geno was playing the part. I kind of knew Geno, but not really. He and Elmer were thick buds. They had some type of business arrangement and Geno was always hanging out at the bar. Geno had always been nice to me and most always bought my beer. I assumed that he was just pro police and that was his way of rewarding the guys in blue. Since the Hideway was a real dive, no self respecting cop would been seen dead there. I kind of liked slumming and rubbing elbows with the down trotted. More than once at the bar folks had bought my beer and treated me with great respect. Geno also owned several pawn shops and as a Detective I'd dealt with him in the past. He was always more than helpful and tried his best to assist with any investigations.

Geno shook my hand, " Hey Barney ! Long time no see. Elmer told me that you had stopped in. What made you quit being a cop ? "

I filled him in, " I just got sick of it ! You know, you work hard and try to make a difference. Then you wake up one day and see that your just wasting your time. I guess that I just got burned out. "

Geno kissed up, " I always figured you'd make Chief there. That City lost a good man ! So, I heard you were driving for Blackie."

I unscrewed the bottle of beer, " Nope ! Me and Blackie had a falling out, so I bought a truck and leased on with..."

Geno interrupted me, " Oh I remember now. Elmer told me about that. So, did you get everything worked out ? "

I took a gulp, " I got my truck back, but that's the least of my problems. I just found out that my license are suspended, so I can't drive. Man ! You know Geno when it rains it pours ! I got a DWI, my wife is trying to take my truck, and I can't even run to make a living. "

Geno leaned over the bar, " If you need a little to tied you over, I can help you out. How much do you need ? "

I was shocked, " No Geno ! I got a little money, not much, but a little. I guess I need a good lawyer, or maybe a rich wife. "

Geno pulled up a stool, " I got an idea ! Why don't you lease your truck out and hire a driver. You can come to work for me at the pawnshop. I can use a good man ! "

I hadn't thought of that, " That's a good point ! Yep ! I could lease Amelia on somewhere and hire a driver. As long as I don't drive her, there shouldn't be a problem. Your pretty smart Geno ! I'm hoping that my suspension will be over with in a few weeks. You think you could just use me for some temporary help ? "

Geno lit up a smoke, " Sure ! It being so close to Christmass, I can use all the temporary help I can get. Especially someone I can trust, like you. Let me know when you can start and maybe you'll decide to stay on. There's money to make and I know ! My top store managers make a good living. "

I thanked Geno for his offer and we cut it up. Yep, ole Geno was quite a character. He had been born and raised in Idiot City. Matter of fact he'd lived thru the Gangster Idiot wars of the 40's and 50's. Yep, he could sure tell some good ones. Elmer finally showed up and three of us shut the bar down. Life Was Interesting !

Let's break Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

Snazzy I am still here reading your most interesting experiences.

I have been too busy to even read all the new chapters this last week or
so but got caught up this afternoon. Maybe it is the distraction of a young
lady that has caught my attention that had me busy but this is your
thread and don't want to hog it up.

Thanks for the good reading and keep it coming.

 

Its been a depressing week, at least I can count on your words to distract me from my own troubles.

I'm thinking there's to much trust in this man's heart. You're on the way for trouble again. Maybe background checks on all the people you come into contact with.

Oh well that would take to long. Maybe things just look fishy.

 

Yeah... something tells me that life WILL be very interesting. Methinks Snazz is heading for more trouble... <sigh>

 

Good ole Joel and X2B are still here. Joel just toss your computer and go for the lady. These post are going to be here for awhile and a nice lady is a rare find. X2B don't fret over life's ups and downs, that's what makes life worth living. As long as you can laugh, your never beaten, as Life Goes On. Okay, Snazzy points to the both of you.

Becoming a pawn broker wasn't easy. I had to fill out a background form, submit my prints, and be bonded. I was assigned to a store that Geno used as a training facility. It was in the worse part of Fort Worth and the street gangs, dope dealers, prostitutes, crack heads, and such, were your main customers. What a deal ! I assumed Geno wanted me to learn from the ground up. I had placed a wanted add with the Texas Employment office. An older couple that were company drivers for Road Kill Express applied. That's the company I wanted to lease on with and figured with the couple having experience there. You know ! Anyway they met me at the Road Kill terminal and both of them through a fit over Amelia. Road Kill paid $1.00 per mile, for all miles, empity or loaded. They had a discount program for owner operators that covered tires, maintanence, break downs, and even medical coverage. Yep, ole Road Kill was the real deal and a nation wide carrier that had been in business for over 50 years. It cost me about 60 cents per mile back then to operate at cost. I offered to pay Ken and Kim a team rate of 30 cents per mile. That meant that both would get 15 cents per paid mile, for all miles paid. It was about average pay for 1990 and a little more than Road Kill paid thier company drivers. The best part for Ken and Kim, was as fleet drivers they no longer had to obey Road Kill's silly company rules. Yep, ole Road Kill treated thier company drivers like two year olds. They had to fuel, shower, eat, and live at Road Kill's company terminals. I could see why the company drivers were unhappy. I had to sign an affidavit that I would not operate, drive, or even attempt to in drive Amelia. I understood that since Road Kill was furnishing her tags, insurance, and operating authority that I didn't qualify. Yep, all I was allowed to do, was to furnish Amelia, collect the weekly settlements, have some say about what loads were hauled, pay Ken and Kim, and keep Amelia in safe operating condition. What a deal.

I knew that hiring a team for just a couple of months was impossible. So, the deal I made was fair. Ken and Kim signed a contract with me for a six month guarantee. They could quit at anytime, but as long as they performed thier driving duties, took care of Amelia, and wanted to drive for me they had a job. Well, at least for 6 months. So, I signed all the paperwork and became a one truck fleet owner. What a deal !

I was happy that at least Amelia was back on the road and earning her keep. I had hoped that if Ken and Kim were able to put down at least 4,000 miles per week that I'd actually make a little money. I mean they were a team and Road Kill had the miles. So, if they did and everthing went as planned, I'd earn about $400 per week. Amelia's $1,000 per month payment had been included in my operating cost. Of course, I still had a $1,000 per month child support payment and I had to live. But, with working at the pawnshop and keeping my expenses down everything should of worked out.

Geno was a strange boss and I didn't know how to deal with him. He made all of his employees wear white shirts, black ties, and black dress shoes. It made me feel like a bible salesman at a pawnshop. But hey ! It was a job and it paid. Well, sort of. Geno paid me minimum wage for all hours I worked. I was scheduled five, ten hour days, and then an extra ten hours for Saturdays, which paid time and half. There was also a sales bonus program that paid a commission. Something like for each month you sold over a certain amount you'd get so much in a bonus check. It was confussing and all I cared about was putting in my 50 hours. The store I worked at was managed by Owl and he looked like one. Yep, he had eyes as big as saucers and could spin his head 360 degress. I didn't like Owl and he didn't like cops. Yep, even excops. So, we didn't play well together. Owl would try his best to make me look foolish and I'd try to live up to his expectations. The funny part was that we were both armed. Yep, in Texas back then if you worked for a licensed gun store it was legal to pack heat in the store. So, many a time I'd sight ole Owl in my sites and squeezed on the trigger. Of course his back was always to me and he never knew that just an ounce of trigger pull kept him alive. I'm sure my back had a target on it as well. What a deal !

Let's break Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

Good that you dropped by Ducks and here's that 100 Snazzy points that I owe you. What the heck, here's another 100, for guessing right. Yep, you know that trouble is a brewing, as Life Goes On.

The motel wasn't where I wanted to live. It's only good point was that it was just a block away from the Hide Away bar. Elmer had insisted that I drive his loaner even though he knew my license was suspended. I'd looked around for a decent place to rent, but hadn't had any luck. I was working behind the counter making out a loan ticket on a necklace when Sweet Thang walked in.

I did a double take, " Hey Girl ! What are you up to ? "

Sweet Thang smacked her gum, " Nothen ! I heard you were working here and just stopped by. "

I suggested lunch, " You want to grab a bite ? I get an hours lunch in about ten minutes. "

Sweet Thang shrugged, " I guess so. "

I drove the loaner, " So ! What ya been up to ? "

Sweet Thang started crying, " I just wanted to see you. "

I felt my heart being squeezed, " Now come on. What's the matter ? Is there anything wrong ? "

Sweet Thang burried her head on my shoulder, " I miss you. "

I put my arm around her, " I miss you too. I wish we were still together. "

Sweet Thang wet nosed my chest, " Can we see each other ? I don't want to bother you. It's just that I'd like to be with you. "

I pressed my lips against hers, " SMOOOOCH, Kissy, Kissy. Sure ! When are you off ? I'm staying at that roach motel next to the Hide Away. You know where that's at ? "

Sweet Thang perked up, " I should know ! You took me there a couple of times. Don't you remember ? "

I lied, " Oh that's right ! So, when do you want to get together ? "

Sweet Thang sat up, " I guess tonight. I'm off and if your free ? "

I gave Sweet Thang the motel's phone number and the Hide Aways. She was to call me later. We had a couple of DQ cheese burgers and I drove us back. She got into her pickup and drove off. I went back into the pawnshop and ole Big Owl was all eyes.

He spat, " Your not allowed to have visitors at work ! Your still on probation and I'm not running a ##### house ! You need to meet with your friends on your own time ! "

I'd had enough, " I've had enough of you ! Now, you might manage this store and maybe Geno thinks your something ! But you better back off me ! All you've done is ride my back since I started here ! "

Big Owl smiled, " Well finally ! I've done everything I know to set you off. You've got a long fuse and that's good in this business, but I was wondering if you had it in you ! So are you ready to quit being a flunkey and see what's really going on ? "

I couldn't believe it ! Yep ! The whole time that I'd put up with being treated like a red haired step-child was just a test. I had wondered why Owl had ridden me so hard. He'd claimed that he hated cops, but as soon as one came by he'd suck up to them like a Kirby vacum. So, it turned out that ole Owl was just pushing my buttons to see how I handled myself. What a deal! Anyway, I was happy that all the tension was behind us. I still didn't like Owl and I thought his way of testing a guy's fortitude was nuts. But hey ! I had a job and Sweet Thang had come a calling.

Let's break Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

Lemme see here...
Do the words, "Beep, beep!" mean anything to you?

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